WaiBOP United are pleased to announce that midfielders Mark Jones and Alexis Varela have re-signed with the franchise for the 2014/15 ASB Premiership season.
Both Jones and Varela were key performer for Hamilton Wanderers and were instrumental in the drive to a third place finish in the NRFL Premier league – the club’s highest finish in their history.
Varela was dominant in the weekly midfield battles and regularly dictated the pace of the game, while the mercurial Jones was reliable in front of goal, finishing the season fifth in the race for the golden boot, a useful return for a wide player.
United Head Coach, Peter Smith, identified Jones’ reliability as a key to the team’s performances in the last campaign and hoped for more of the same for the upcoming season.
“Jonesy was arguably our most consistent performer last season and backed that up with a good season for Wanderers, he is now maturing into a top premiership player who on his day can win you games.”
Varela impressed in the middle of the park with his ball distribution and work rate last season, and Smith pointed out that Varela will add a lot to his squad.
“Alexi gives us a presence in midfield , his aggression is balanced with a high level of technical ability. He is a great lad to work with and has a fantastic work ethic. It is great for the club to be able to secure his services for the summer.”
Merv Williams, WaiBOP United Chairman, says the two signings are key as they symbolise a big part of what the franchise is all about.
“both Mark and Alexi had good campaigns for Hamilton Wanderers and we’re sure they’ll carry that form through to the ASB premiership for WaiBOP United,” says Williams. “retaining the best of the local talent and having them ply their trade WaiBOP United is key to the success of the franchise.
Announcements on further player signings will follow soon.
For more information please contact:
Peter Smith, WaiBOP United Head Coach
